The U.S. is making a last-ditch effort to persuade Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to step down in exchange for amnesty, as evidence mounts that he lost the recent election.

The Biden administration is reportedly considering pardons for Maduro and his top officials, who face U.S. indictments, and may even offer guarantees against extradition.

These negotiations provide a glimmer of hope for the Venezuelan opposition, which claims its candidate, Edmundo González, won the July 28 election by a landslide, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

Meanwhile, Maduro has intensified his crackdown on dissidents and continues to hold power with the support of the military and judiciary.

Written by B.C. Begley